10 useful accessories for a happy smartphone

In the years of cohabitation with our smartphones, we've come to realize both their usefulness, but also their limits. With the advent of the industry, phones have become more than just a device for communication -- they're also tools. And while they keep on assimilating features from just about every area of technology, they're still a strictly defined package.

But it doesn't have to be that way. A satellite accessories industry has been built around smartphones, and it is burgeoning. Many of those, however, have a pretty limited appeal, as they're either niche, or specially-crafted for one of the hundreds of smartphone models currently on the market. That is precisely why we wanted to narrow them down into a handful of categories more than anything else. Obviously, those also had to be actually useful for a wide range of smartphone owners.

In the below slideshow, you'll find the 10 accessories that we believe really add to our overall smartphone experience, and hopefully they will add to yours, too. The picks (arranged in no particular order) are as practical and widely-applicable as possible, and we've personally developed something of a codependency with them. Take a look.

Do you drive? Probably. And it's also fairly safe to assume that you're not particularly happy with your smartphone's battery life, either. Especially if you're on the road and need power for navigation. That's why a car charger is among the most essential accessories to have around. Most of them are dirt cheap, though we do recommend you get your hands on something branded. It also helps if it has an extra USB port -- passengers need power, too!

Car charger

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So we've already established that you drive, meaning that you also need navigation-at-a-glance fairly often. Can't get that with a smartphone stuck in your pocket, and that's where the handy car docks come in. Many of those are suction-based (they stick on your windshield), and some are specifically built for your exact model, even though there are quite a few universal ones. They're also, once again, a pretty cheap investment in comfort and peace of mind.

Oh, and by the way, a car charger is almost a must if you use navigation -- the GPS and 3G/4G LTE modules alone will drain your battery in a few short hours.

Car dock

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A power bank, much like a car charger, can be a lifesaver, especially if you're far from your vehicle. Best of all, these occasionally come in shapes so small, that you can easily carry them on your person at all times without much discomfort.

Power banks

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So you're back in the car, eh? You probably could have walked there, but we won't judge. In any case, a light-weight, unobtrusive Bluetooth headset can literally be a life-saver. Best of all, a Bluetooth headset comes in handy in more than just car scenarios -- just try picking up an important call whilst holding 5 bags of groceries and you'll see what we mean.

Bluetooth headset

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This one's really cool if you have a big-screened TV that lacks the smarts of your phone. Instead of having to go to the trouble of connecting a full-fledged laptop or computer in order to watch some Netflix, you can get the same result by connecting your smartphone to a TV's full-sized HDMI port through an MHL or SlimPort adapter. These two standards are becoming more widely-supported by the month and allow you to stream content right from your smartphone.

An MHL/SlimPort microUSB to HDMI adapters

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Cables are a nasty business, and making your smartphone a slave of your TV is not the best decision out there. Enter Chromecast -- a simple USB dongle from Google that connects wirelessly with your phone, allowing you to stream content from it on your plasma. You can pick one of those for $30 nowadays, which makes them all the more awesome.

Chromecast or Chromecast-like dongle

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Building upon the notion that cables just aren't sexy anymore, the industry gave us wireless chargers. Simply pop your smartphone on top of one of those, and watch as your battery charge shoots up. Sure, not all smartphones have support for wireless charging, but the list is growing, and some of them make for some seriously cool desk docks. Two birds with one stone, poof!

Wireless charger

image

Wireless chargers are cool, but they still need a traditional power source. And power banks? They're not that small.

But if your smartphone's battery is removable and you're constantly power-starved, then picking an extra battery for your model may be a good investment. A Samsung Galaxy S4 replacement battery can cost as little as $10, for example, and it's small and slim enough to fit in even the tightest of pockets. Just make sure you pick an original one, we've had enough reporting on low-quality units catching on fire.

Extra battery

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Even today, most smartphones come with just a few gigs of available space. That's clearly insufficient space for your library of 10,000 songs and 1,000 movies. Really spacious microSD cards are still rare and expensive, and while they're arguably a much more useful accessory, they sadly aren't supported by every phone model out there. That's where USB OTG (On The Go) cables come in play, and while support for the standard still isn't ubiquitous, it is growing. USB OTG is a simple, pocketable microUSB to a full-sized female USB cable, and it allows you to attach peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and so on. Going back to storage, you can pick a 128GB flash drive for less than $30 nowadays, and that's plenty of room for your music and movies.

OTG, or USB On-The-Go

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This last item on our list is a bonus, as it's not a category, but rather a very specific and unique accessory. Pressy received massive backing on Kickstarter, and it basically acts as an extra hardware button to your smartphone. You simply plug it in your (Android) phone's 3.5mm audio jack, and download the Pressy app available from the Google Play Store. You can then use the app to customize the behavior of Pressy -- it can turn into a shutter key, a flashlight shortcut, record a phone call, and tons more. Pressy is currently available for pre-order at $27, and the team has promised a March release.

Do you drive? Probably. And it's also fairly safe to assume that you're not particularly happy with your smartphone's battery life, either. Especially if you're on the road and need power for navigation. That's why a car charger is among the most essential accessories to have around. Most of them are dirt cheap, though we do recommend you get your hands on something branded. It also helps if it has an extra USB port -- passengers need power, too!

10 accessories for a happy smartphone

1. Car charger

Do you drive? Probably. And it's also fairly safe to assume that you're not particularly happy with your smartphone's battery life, either. Especially if you're on the road and need power for navigation. That's why a car charger is among the most essential accessories to have around. Most of them are dirt cheap, though we do recommend you get your hands on something branded. It also helps if it has an extra USB port -- passengers need power, too!

2. Car dock

So we've already established that you drive, meaning that you also need navigation-at-a-glance fairly often. Can't get that with a smartphone stuck in your pocket, and that's where the handy car docks come in. Many of those are suction-based (they stick on your windshield), and some are specifically built for your exact model, even though there are quite a few universal ones. They're also, once again, a pretty cheap investment in comfort and peace of mind.

Oh, and by the way, a car charger is almost a must if you use navigation -- the GPS and 3G/4G LTE modules alone will drain your battery in a few short hours.

3. Power banks

A power bank, much like a car charger, can be a lifesaver, especially if you're far from your vehicle. Best of all, these occasionally come in shapes so small, that you can easily carry them on your person at all times without much discomfort.

4. Bluetooth headset

So you're back in the car, eh? You probably could have walked there, but we won't judge. In any case, a light-weight, unobtrusive Bluetooth headset can literally be a life-saver. Best of all, a Bluetooth headset comes in handy in more than just car scenarios -- just try picking up an important call whilst holding 5 bags of groceries and you'll see what we mean.

5. An MHL/SlimPort microUSB to HDMI adapters

This one's really cool if you have a big-screened TV that lacks the smarts of your phone. Instead of having to go to the trouble of connecting a full-fledged laptop or computer in order to watch some Netflix, you can get the same result by connecting your smartphone to a TV's full-sized HDMI port through an MHL or SlimPort adapter. These two standards are becoming more widely-supported by the month and allow you to stream content right from your smartphone.

6. Chromecast or Chromecast-like dongle

Cables are a nasty business, and making your smartphone a slave of your TV is not the best decision out there. Enter Chromecast -- a simple USB dongle from Google that connects wirelessly with your phone, allowing you to stream content from it on your plasma. You can pick one of those for $30 nowadays, which makes them all the more awesome.

7. Wireless charger

Building upon the notion that cables just aren't sexy anymore, the industry gave us wireless chargers. Simply pop your smartphone on top of one of those, and watch as your battery charge shoots up. Sure, not all smartphones have support for wireless charging, but the list is growing, and some of them make for some seriously cool desk docks. Two birds with one stone, poof!

8. Extra battery

Wireless chargers are cool, but they still need a traditional power source. And power banks? They're not that small.

But if your smartphone's battery is removable and you're constantly power-starved, then picking an extra battery for your model may be a good investment. A Samsung Galaxy S4 replacement battery can cost as little as $10, for example, and it's small and slim enough to fit in even the tightest of pockets. Just make sure you pick an original one, we've had enough reporting on low-quality units catching on fire.

9. OTG, or USB On-The-Go

Even today, most smartphones come with just a few gigs of available space. That's clearly insufficient space for your library of 10,000 songs and 1,000 movies. Really spacious microSD cards are still rare and expensive, and while they're arguably a much more useful accessory, they sadly aren't supported by every phone model out there. That's where USB OTG (On The Go) cables come in play, and while support for the standard still isn't ubiquitous, it is growing. USB OTG is a simple, pocketable microUSB to a full-sized female USB cable, and it allows you to attach peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and so on. Going back to storage, you can pick a 128GB flash drive for less than $30 nowadays, and that's plenty of room for your music and movies.

10. Pressy

This last item on our list is a bonus, as it's not a category, but rather a very specific and unique accessory. Pressy received massive backing on Kickstarter, and it basically acts as an extra hardware button to your smartphone. You simply plug it in your (Android) phone's 3.5mm audio jack, and download the Pressy app available from the Google Play Store. You can then use the app to customize the behavior of Pressy -- it can turn into a shutter key, a flashlight shortcut, record a phone call, and tons more. Pressy is currently available for pre-order at $27, and the team has promised a March release.

Yeah my car dock was really "destructive". It was flimsy and weak at base, attached to the windshield. I took a sharp turn around corner. Boy it detached and fell with my phone's battery door shattered and nfc chip stopped working. Hence it was destructive. From that day i just gave up on car docks and holders. They are nothing more than gimmicks for me. Come on no sour grapes i can remember roads.

i'm going to get a special edition pressy (green) i was one of the kickstarter suppoters. its a fun thing to have. Also phonearena you should mention it only works for Android incase somebody that has an iOS or WP wants it.

what if Pressy is pluged in and I decide to use my headphones?? Everytime I wanna use headphones should I unpluged it first and then plugin it in?? if it yes, is kind of unpractical for people who use earbuds on a daily basis imho.

Unless its ridiculously priced to replace, or just not all that to hold or look at.
Which it probably isn't, so if its price,...
Are fashion before function phones all that if ya can't enjoy them as made I wonder.
Especially if it limits additional functionality.

I have the Moto X, I love the phone, and I'm happy with the way it looks, it's just a little small and can some times slip out of my hand. The case makes it easier for me to handle/grip... Though you may be right.... Functionality is top priority for me so I think ditching the case will be the way to go.

Yeah - good for you - LOSE THE CASE! Enjoy your phone the way it was meant to be enjoyed - the way you first liked it when you bought it. And get the Pressy - make it better than ever. LOSE THE CASE.....LOSE THE CASE..... LOSE IT.....LOSE IT..... LOSE THE CASE!!!

most of that just comes with having a smart phone but that pressy button seems pretty sweet for someone that never uses their headphone jack. just wonder if it will protrude enough to use with ease while having a case on.

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